Best Medication For ADHD
Teenagers and children who take ADHD medication tend to focus more effectively, have less impulsive and calmer. They also do better with schoolwork. Some individuals may experience a slight slowdown in their growth or a rise in heart rate or bloodpressure when taking these medications.
There are a variety of medicines such as tablets, liquids, patches, and capsules (such as Daytrana). Adderall (methylphenidate) is the most common stimulant. medication for adult add comes in three forms: immediate-release, extended-release, and sustained-release.
Stimulants
Stimulants are a type of drugs that are effective in treating ADHD. These drugs enhance focus and attention by affecting neurotransmitters, specifically norepinephrine and dopamine. These chemicals regulate the prefrontal cortex, often known as the "secretary of the brain" because it aids in organizing and planning skills.
Stimulants are available in short- and long-acting doses. medications for adhd in adults -acting medications peak in 30 to 45 minutes, and need to be taken two or three times per every day. Amphetamines like Adderall and Dexedrine and methylphenidates such as Ritalin, Concerta and Ritalin, are among these. Amphetamines are stronger and last longer, but they both work similar ways to improve concentration and attention. There are also extended-release versions of certain stimulant drugs. They are a better option because they last between 8 to 12 hours and are typically taken every day. Some of these medications are powders that you mix with liquids to make drinks, while others are pills.
It may take a while to find the right medication for your child or yourself. Your doctor will monitor how you react to different types of drugs and adjust the dosage if needed. The use of medicines should be a part of a complete treatment plan that includes a combination of therapy and support.
Non-stimulant ADHD medications can take a bit longer to begin working, but can help you feel more in control and increase your concentration, impulsivity and focus. These drugs don't affect dopamine or norepinephrine in the way that stimulants do, and therefore are safer to use for longer periods of time. These medications can also be less prone to side effects such as heartburn, constipation and a decreased sexual drive. Strattera is the first medication that was approved by the FDA to treat ADHD. It's an inhibitor of selective reuptake. Your doctor could prescribe additional medications from this group such as Guanfacine (Intuniv) and clonidine (Kapvay).
There are also non-stimulant antidepressants that are available off-label to treat ADHD. Tricyclic antidepressants from the past, such as Tofranil(imipramine) are used to treat ADHD. Doctors only recommend these drugs in cases where stimulants or other non-stimulants don't work or cause too many adverse negative effects.
Viloxazine and atomoxetine are prescribed by your doctor. These medications don't have immediate effects however they can reduce the tendency to be impulsive and improve concentration over time. They're in a different class from the other choices and may cause certain side effects like shaky hands or headache. Your doctor may also suggest a low dose of an antidepressant known as bupropion (Wellbutrin), which is not an FDA-approved treatment for ADHD but can be effective to improve concentration and reduce the impulsivity. It can trigger some uncomfortable but usually not serious side effects such as ringing or changes in vision.